The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events for the foreseeable future, following the recent escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan.
The decision has already been communicated to the ACC, with India officially pulling out of the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month. While a final decision on the Men’s Asia Cup, slated for September, is yet to be made, the tournament’s future now appears bleak.
Sportstar had earlier reported that the Asia Cup was unlikely to go ahead this year in light of India’s stance.
The ACC is currently chaired by Mohsin Naqvi — Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The men’s Asia Cup features India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. India is the defending champion, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final.
That edition was also marred by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the tournament was forced into a hybrid model after India refused to travel across the border, with all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.
Source: Sportstar
--Agencies
